Moving to a New Province: Do You Need to Change Your Car’s License Plate?

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If you’ve recently moved to a new home or changed your registered address, especially to a different province, you might be wondering "Do I need to change my car’s license plate?" or "Is my current registration still valid?"

Let’s clear up the confusion and walk you through what you actually need to do when you relocate to make sure your vehicle records are up to date and legally compliant.

1. Do I need to change my license plate when I move?

Short answer: No, you don’t need to change your plate. Your car’s license plate and registration remain valid even if you move to a different province. However, you must update your registered address with the Department of Land Transport (DLT) within 15 days after your official house registration has changed.

2. Where do I update my address?

You can update your address at:

• • The DLT office where your car is currently registered, or
  • The DLT office in your new province (they’ll help coordinate with the original office)

What to bring:

• • Copy of your ID card
  • Copy of your new house registration (ทะเบียนบ้าน)
  • The original vehicle registration book
  • Completed address change form (available at the DLT office)

3. Can I change my license plate to match my new province?

Yes, you can — but it’s optional.

If you want your license plate to reflect your new location, such as changing from a Bangkok plate to a Chiang Mai one, you’ll need to go through a process called vehicle registration transfer between provinces.

Basic steps:

• • Notify the current DLT office of your intent to move the vehicle
  • Bring the car and documents to the new DLT office
  • Pay the registration and plate change fees
  • Receive a new license plate and updated vehicle book

This process takes longer and includes additional fees, but it’s ideal for those who want everything aligned with their new address.

4. What happens if I don’t update my address?

• • DLT tax renewal and insurance reminders may go to your old address
  • Traffic violation notices (e.g. speeding tickets) could be sent to the wrong place
  • If you plan to sell the car in the future, incorrect address records could delay the transfer process

It’s quick and free to update your address — and helps avoid unnecessary issues later on.

Summary

• • ✅ You don’t need to change your license plate when moving provinces
  • ✅ You must update your registered address within 15 days of moving
  • ✅ You can request a new plate for your new province, but it’s optional
  • ⚠️ Failing to update your address may lead to mail issues or delays during vehicle ownership transfers

Read More:  Top FAQs About Buying and Selling Cars

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